Are Junior UX Designers Getting Scammed with Unpaid Work?
The line between gaining experience and being exploited?
You’ve just started your UX career. You’re building your portfolio, sending out resumes, and suddenly you get the pitch: “We can’t pay you, but this will be amazing for your experience.”
It sounds tempting, right? After all, you need something to showcase your skills. But is this actually helping you, or are you being taken for a ride?
Today, we’re diving into unpaid work—when it might make sense, when it’s a trap, and how to protect your value as a designer.
Grab a coffee and let’s figure this out together.
Today’s Highlights
Key Insight: The Reality of Unpaid Work in UX
When Unpaid Work Crosses the Line into Exploitation
Should You Ever Work for Free? Knowing When It’s Worth It & When to Walk Away
Red Flags to Watch Out For: The “Exposure” Trap, Vague Commitments & Repetitive Requests
Making the Right Choice: So, Should Juniors Refuse Unpaid Work Altogether
Upcoming Workshop: Building an Efficient Design Workflow
Resource Corner: Must-Read Articles & Tools
Tool of the Week: Bonsai – Freelance Contracts Made Easy
The Reality of Unpaid Work in UX
Let’s get one thing straight: unpaid work isn’t always a scam. There are scenarios where working for free can be beneficial. But the system becomes problematic when:
Companies exploit juniors by offering “experience” instead of fair pay.
Juniors undervalue their contributions, thinking their skills aren’t worth payment.
The line between volunteering and exploitation gets blurred.
A Reddit thread titled "What do you think about unpaid UX internships?" features individuals sharing experiences of encountering numerous unpaid UX internship offers, underscoring the commonality of such positions in the field. (Reddit)
When Unpaid Work Might Be Worth It
There are cases where unpaid work can provide value—but only if it meets these criteria:
You’re in Control: If you choose the project because it aligns with your career goals or helps you build specific skills.
Clear Boundaries Exist: The project has a defined scope, timeline, and deliverables.
It’s for a Cause You Believe In: Volunteering your skills for a non-profit or community project can feel rewarding.
🚩Red Flags to Watch Out For
If any of the following apply, consider walking away:
The “Exposure” Promise: Exposure doesn’t pay the bills.
Vague Commitments: If a company can’t clearly outline the project’s scope, it’s a no.
Repetitive Requests: If they ask for free work more than once, they’re exploiting you.
“It’s Just for Experience” Excuse: Your skills—no matter how new—are still valuable.
So, Should Juniors Refuse Unpaid Work Altogether?
Not necessarily. It’s about knowing when to say yes and when to walk away. Here’s how to decide:
If it’s a learning opportunity: Does the project teach you something new or enhance your portfolio in a meaningful way?
If it’s for a reputable client: Does the client or brand bring credibility that could open doors for you later?
If it aligns with your goals: Does the project contribute to the story you want your portfolio to tell?
If the answer is no to any of these, it’s okay to politely decline.
Upcoming Workshop
Struggling with messy workflows and undervalued design work?
It’s time to shift from the U to the X in UX.
Join us for DesignOps: How to Build an Efficient Design Workflow and learn how to:
✅ Communicate the value of your work
✅ Streamline processes and eliminate bottlenecks
✅ Build a thriving, collaborative team culture
Led by Lina Reynolds, this hands-on workshop will equip you with practical strategies to optimize your design workflow and increase your impact
Resource Corner: Tools, Reads, and Guidance for UX Juniors
Tool: Research Bookmark– Streamline your UX process with tools, courses, templates, events, and a custom UX Search Engine—all in one place.
Article: Work experience or exploitation? by Brendan Wong
Are Unpaid Internships Worth It? by Cherie Brooke
Tool of the Week: Bonsai – Freelance Contracts Made Easy
Here’s how Bonsai helps you protect your time and skills:
Create professional contracts in minutes.
Send and track invoices with ease.
Ensure you’re paid on time with automated reminders.
Final Note | Your Work Has Value
Unpaid work isn’t inherently bad, but it should always be your choice—not something you’re pressured into. Remember: your time, skills, and creativity are worth something, even as a Junior UXer.
Be selective. Advocate for yourself. And don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Yes, you are scammed if you do any unpaid work, it's your time, it's always should be valued regardless of what you do.